'We Cannot Send Them To Pakistan'

The discussions around India's participation at the 2025 Champions Trophy continues unabated, as deadlock persists between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and world governing body, ICC, over the mode of organising the 50-over event scheduled in February-March.

Pakistan are set to host the Champions Trophy but India's refusal to travel to the neighbouring country citing sighting security concerns has reportedly changed matters.

According to recent developments, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the PCB have reportedly reached an in-principle agreement to adopt a hybrid model for global tournaments hosted in Pakistan or India until 2027.

This model would allow both nations to play their games at ICC tournaments hosted by the other country at a neutral venue, Dubai being the choice host venue. But none of this has been confirmed officially yet.

Amid the ongoing drama, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said that he still hopes for an 'amicable solution'.

'We [BCCI] prefer a hybrid model. But as the ICC chairman is already looking after it and is in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board, we hope for an amicable solution with both nations (India and Pakistan) agreeing to it without any bitterness,' Shukla told PTI.

'The focus is majorly on our players' safety and hence we cannot send them to Pakistan. We are looking for a middle ground to sort things out,' he added.

Meanwhile, sources have told IANS that many members of the PCB are unhappy with the way Pakistan has accepted the decision to host the tournament in hybrid model.